Networking for HR: Engaging in Professional Development

If you are a mid-career HR practitioner, I'm going to share two pieces of advice that have both nourished my career and led to more strategic job opportunities: 1. Meet with vendors regularly. This includes taking demo appointments, engaging with more than the free swag at conference expos, and approaching sales conversations with curiosity. Imagine your technical limitations if you were still operating on Windows 98. New products, enhancements and solutions would be swirling around you, but you would be at a major disadvantage, even if you were a world-renowned power user of an outdated technology. The same goes for your profession. In order to stay relevant, you need information about the shifts and trends in the work you do. Vendors almost always have recent market research they use to inform their product or service, and sometimes they completely disrupt and innovate our industries which can impact your organization, externally or internally. 2. Do not neglect your network. For the first 10 years of my career, I did not network outside my organization. At the sage advice of my mentor, I joined a local SHRM chapter (shout out to Salt Lake SHRM) which led to leadership opportunities, both within the chapter and for my career advancement. From there, I started attending non-HR networking events in various business industries which led to a deeper personal brand. I was often the only HR person there, which led to consulting projects and speaking engagements. These opportunities would have been limited if I wasn't actively engaging with my network. This takes many forms, from sharing wisdom and insights on LinkedIn, to meeting a contact for lunch, to sending a text to check in on someone, to curating a connection between two people who may benefit from knowing each other. The common thread in this advice, in case you missed it, is the value of human connection and its influence on your career aspirations. The cliché that, "it takes a village" is cliché for a reason. We aren't meant to do it alone.

The time to start networking is now. As professionals, sometimes we think “I don’t have the time to network.” The truth is, we all have the same amount of time - but spend it differently. If you hop on a Teams call today and HR joins with your boss and you are told your role is eliminated, one of the first things you might think of after the shock clears is: “who do I know that can help me find my next role.” That moment is not the time to begin to think about your network, it was actually 5 years ago when you got that promotion and the expanded responsibilities. Your professional network is as important as continuous learning, building skills for the future and being a high performer. Here are some ways for you to create space to network as well as practical tips: 1. Celebrate promotions and new roles of colleagues or people in your LI network. Take an interest. When someone leaves for a new company, put a reminder on your calendar for 90 days out and check in with them: how is X company and the new role going? 2. Develop a list of your top 10 companies you’d like to work for and see who you know that works there or connect with people there and begin to create connectivity: keep me in mind if you hear of a role that might be a fit and I can do the same for you. 3. Be willing to respond to LI messages from people you don’t know who might be seeking a role: answer questions and connect them to recruiting - I’m not sure about that role but here are a couple of recruiters in my company that might have more info. 4. Pay attention to where skills are going in your area of specialization and make the time to get entrenched and curious: when interesting roles surface internally or externally you want to have these skills not be caught on your back foot. 5. Be active on LinkedIn. Engage with posts, create your own content and share thought leadership around key topics or where your area of specialization is headed. Pro tip: don’t make the mistake of thinking LinkedIn is only for your external network. It can be equally important or even more powerful for building your internal network and brand at your current company - which can lead to new roles, expanded roles and other exposure. #opentowork #networking #careerjourney #careerprogression #skills #futureofwork

As an HR professional, I’m often asked about networking and how to approach it effectively. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s a powerful tool for personal development, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. When done thoughtfully, it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Here are three essential tips for successful networking: 1. Be Intentional * Set clear goals: Are you looking for mentorship, exploring new industries, or expanding your support network? Focus on quality not quantity. * Do your homework: Research attendees or speakers in advance and prepare thoughtful questions or talking points to guide your conversations. 2. Lead with Value * Networking is about building relationships, not just seeking personal gain. Shift your focus to “How can I help?” * Look for opportunities to support others—whether by sharing insights, offering resources, or making introductions that could be beneficial. 3. Keep the Connection Alive * After an event or meeting, follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. * Maintain the relationship by staying in touch over time—share articles, updates, or simply check in to show you value the connection. Conversation Starters Consider these to spark engaging conversations: * "What’s the most exciting part of your current role or project?" * "What inspired you to attend this event today?" * "What’s a professional trend or topic you’re really interested in right now?" And one last tip: Put your phone down! Being fully present shows respect and builds deeper connections. What are your go-to networking strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #Networking #Development #GrowthMindset

Networking changed my career for the better! I haven’t always been the best at keeping relationships, especially after leaving a role. However, I’ve been networking within my industry for the past several years, and it has changed everything. First, I began to attend events in my field. I joined the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches to continue learning more about resume writing and career coaching. Over time, I began to get to know my fellow peers. I started to reach out and respond to those who contacted me. Sometimes, we messaged on LinkedIn and that was it. Other times, I had Zoom calls. And in a special case, I set up bi-weekly Happy Hours to talk business and share ideas. So why network? - Insights and Knowledge: Interacting with professionals in your field can provide a wealth of knowledge and different perspectives. I’ve learned so much from Denise Bitler, MRW, CPRW, CDBS, CICNC, CIC, Mark Misiano, MBA, CPRW, CDCS, and John Suarez, MBA, CPRW. - Mentorship: Networking can connect you with potential mentors who can guide your career development. Angie M. Callen, CPRW, CPCC became a friend and mentor. We discuss business strategy and how to bring more value to my clients. I’ve evolved countless times since meeting Angie. - Career Opportunities: Often, new job prospects come from within your network. It’s about being in the right place with the right connections. Because I was vocal during webinars, Margaret Phares asked me to lead a webinar series for PARWCC. From there, I later landed a role on the leadership team, developing and administering the CPRW (a resume writing exam). How can you network effectively? - Be Genuine: Authenticity in networking creates meaningful connections. Don’t wait to be laid off from your role. Make connections constantly. - Attend Professional Events: Conferences, seminars, and industry meet-ups are great places to meet like-minded professionals. - Engage in Online Forums: Platforms like LinkedIn groups, industry-specific forums, and virtual webinars offer global connections. - Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can help others as well. Let’s discuss: How has networking influenced your career? Do you have any tips for effective networking? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! 💬 #professionalnetworking #careerdevelopment #careergrowth #networkingtips

Collecting business cards isn't networking. It's hoarding. I had drawers full of cards and zero meaningful relationships. I used to think networking was transactional. Go to events. Collect business cards. Move on. But my "network" never translated into opportunities. Then I learned: Real networking is about relationships, not contacts. Here’s how I expanded my network strategically: Step 1: Join Professional Associations: Professional associations are treasure troves of resources and contacts. I actively participated by joining committees, volunteering for events, and contributing my expertise. This solidified my presence and credibility. Step 2: Leverage Social Media: LinkedIn became indispensable. I ensured my profile reflected my expertise and aspirations, engaged with posts, joined groups, and initiated conversations. Step 3: Volunteer at Industry Events: Volunteering gave me visibility and established credibility. By contributing my time and skills, I positioned myself as a valuable resource and connector. Step 4: Seek and Offer Mentorship: Mentorship is a two-way street. I identified potential mentors and approached them with a clear vision. I also offered my expertise to others—building relationships that provided insights and guidance. Step 5: Collaborate Strategically: I identified areas where I could work with others through joint ventures, research projects, or community initiatives. Collaboration broadened my network and enhanced my skills. Step 6: Follow Up Consistently: Building a network is just the beginning. Maintaining it requires effort. I followed up with new connections regularly—emails, phone calls, coffee meetings. Consistent communication kept my network active and engaged. The result? A network of genuine relationships that opened doors, created opportunities, and supported my growth. Networking isn’t about what you can get. It’s about what you can give. DM me NETWORK if you’re ready to build meaningful connections. #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #RelationshipBuilding

She looked at me over Zoom and said: “I’ve done accounting, sales, and now HR… but sometimes it feels like none of it connects.” I smiled and told her, “It’s not that it doesn’t connect, it’s that no one ever taught you how to package your power.” 💡 Your nontraditional path isn’t a flaw. It’s your differentiator. 📊 Accounting taught her financial precision. 💬 Sales built her confidence and communication. 👩🏽💼 HR gave her empathy and people strategy. Put that together and you get a cross-functional problem-solver, the kind of professional every organization needs but rarely finds. We mapped out her plan using my R.I.S.E.™ Networking Framework: R – Relate → Start with people already doing the work you want. Find them on your intranet, Slack, or LinkedIn. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I saw your post about the HR automation rollout—loved how you balanced data and people insights. That’s exactly the space I’m growing in.” I – Investigate → Study their paths. Notice which projects, certifications, and mentors helped them rise. Screenshot job descriptions for the role you want and highlight recurring skills. That becomes your learning plan. S – Solve → Lead with value. Connect the dots between your unique background and theirs. 👉 Example: “I noticed you’re leading HR data analytics. With my accounting and sales background, I’ve built dashboards that tie people metrics to business results—would love to exchange ideas.” E – Enhance → Stay consistent. Celebrate their wins, share useful resources, and follow up with gratitude. Visibility beats proximity every time. 🔥 3 Power Moves to Start THIS Week 1️⃣ Create Your Power List Search your intranet or LinkedIn for 5-7 people whose roles mirror where you want to be in 12 months. 💡 Example: “HR Project Manager + Brazil” or “Learning & Development Lead.” 2️⃣ Send a Value-Driven DM Use the R.I.S.E. “Relate + Solve” combo: “Hey [Name], your post on employee engagement in hybrid teams really resonated. I’ve seen the same challenge in HR projects that cross sales and ops. Would love to hear how you’re measuring success.” 3️⃣ Turn Every Chat Into Momentum End every conversation with: “What’s one thing I can learn, apply, or share back with you in the next 30 days?” Then actually do it. That’s how visibility turns into credibility. What’s one part of your career story you’ve been downplaying that might actually be your power move? #PromoteYourDamnSelf #ShantelTaughtMe

Yesterday I had a call with a former employee of mine who is struggling because she has nobody to mentor her at her current company. This is a topic near and dear to my heart: the undeniable power of external networking and mentorship, especially when internal guidance might be scarce. We've all been there – new to a role, or perhaps in a company where formal leadership development or mentorship programs aren't a priority. It's easy to feel like you're adrift, wondering how to best develop your skills and advance your career. My biggest piece of advice? Don't limit your growth to the confines of your current organization. Actively seek out mentors and build a robust network outside your company. These external connections can provide: Diverse Perspectives: Unbiased insights and different ways of thinking about challenges. Skill Development: Guidance on areas your current role might not expose you to. Career Navigation: Advice on potential paths and opportunities you might not have considered. Confidence Boost: A sounding board and encouragement when you need it most. Your professional development is ultimately in your hands. Be proactive, reach out, and invest in building those invaluable external relationships. They can truly be the secret sauce for accelerated growth and long-term success. Share your thoughts and tips below. Let's empower each other to grow, no matter our internal circumstances.

The most effective networkers understand a fundamental principle that distinguishes meaningful professional relationships from transactional interactions: they prioritize contributing value before seeking assistance.   Effective networking strategies focus on mutual benefit:   Pre-Event Research: Identifying attendees and understanding their professional challenges, recent achievements, or industry focus areas where you might offer insights or connections.   Value-Forward Conversations: Initiating discussions around industry trends, sharing relevant resources, or offering introductions to valuable contacts rather than immediately discussing personal career needs.   Strategic Follow-Up: Connecting post-event with thoughtful resources, articles, or introductions that address specific challenges discussed, rather than generic LinkedIn requests.   Long-Term Relationship Building: Maintaining consistent, value-driven contact with your network through sharing relevant opportunities, insights, or connections throughout the year.   This approach transforms networking from a series of favor requests into genuine relationship building that creates reciprocal value over time.   Professionals who consistently offer value before seeking assistance develop networks that actively support their career advancement because those relationships are built on mutual benefit rather than one-sided need.   The strongest professional networks emerge when individuals position themselves as resources for others' success rather than solely focusing on their own advancement needs.   What strategies have you found most effective for creating mutually beneficial professional relationships?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #professionalnetworking #relationshipbuilding #careerstrategist

You're at a conference, surrounded by industry leaders and peers. You have two choices. 1. Blend into the background and wait for someone to approach you. 2. Take the initiative and start meaningful conversations. If you chose the second option, you're already on the right path to proactive networking! Why Be Proactive? Being proactive in networking means actively seeking out opportunities to build relationships rather than waiting for them to come to you. It's about taking charge of your career growth and opening doors that you didn’t even know existed. Here's How You Can Do It: 1. Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Whether finding a mentor, learning about new opportunities, or simply expanding your professional circle, having a clear goal will guide your interactions. 2. Prepare Your Pitch: Have a concise and compelling introduction ready. This isn't just about selling yourself but about making a genuine connection. Share who you are, what you do, and what you're passionate about. 3. Attend Events: Be present at industry events, webinars, and meetups. These are gold mines for networking opportunities. Don't shy away from introducing yourself and starting conversations. 4. Follow-up: After meeting someone, send a follow-up message. Whether through LinkedIn or email, a quick note expressing your pleasure in meeting them and a reference to your conversation can go a long way. 5. Give Before You Get: Networking is a two-way street. Offer help, share resources, and connect people who can benefit from knowing each other. Your generosity will be remembered. I once met a senior executive at a casual networking event. I proactively introduced myself, and after a few follow-up conversations, he became a mentor who significantly influenced my career path. This wouldn’t have happened if I had waited for him to approach me. So, step out of your comfort zone! BE PROACTIVE and watch as your professional network grows, bringing new opportunities and experiences your way! Ready to take the first step? Share in the comments how you'll be more proactive in your networking!